A listed building in Kirkstall could be turned into 27 flats, if recently submitted plans get the go-ahead.
Developer Priestley Homes has submitted new proposals for the former Kirkstall Design Centre building, next to Kirkstall Bridge Inn, off Bridge Road.
The application comes after plans for 44 studio flats on the site were refused earlier this year by Leeds City Council and at a subsequent planning appeal. Concerns were expressed about the small size of the proposed apartments.
In a letter accompanying the latest planning application, Richard Gee, director of agents Roman Gee Associates, said:
“Since then our client has significantly amended the scheme to address the refusal, and has engaged in ongoing dialogue with the local planning authority. Those discussions have been most helpful and positive in the formulation of this application.
“…The units are now inevitably larger than the former studios (albeit the larger units have been retained unchanged), and all units now largely reflect the national space standards that were discussed at appeal.”
It’s believed the flats are aimed at students.
But the application has already been met with concern by Kirkstall councillors Lucinda Yeadon and Fiona Venner, who have both lodged objections due to extra traffic created by the development.
Cllr Yeadon said:
“These road junctions are already operating at capacity and are regularly congested creating chaos on the surrounding area. I struggle to see how they would cope with further vehicle movements.”
Leeds Highways Department has also registered concerns.
The application can be read in full here. A related Listed building application can be found here.
UPDATED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016: The Dispatch understands construction work had already started on some of the apartments.
I agree that no developmemt plans sjould be accepted thst would increase conjestion in the area of Kirkstall bridge. Recent gas works that reduced road capacity in the area had an effect all the way down Kirkstall road into the city centre.y